The recent finding that the Flint School District's deficit has doubled from what was reported in its last audit is indeed "devastating," as pronounced last week by the school board president.

Now more than ever, the district needs to act quickly, decisively and courageously to face up to its growing debt if it hopes to avoid the specter of state intervention in the form of an emergency manager.

To the school district's credit, there are clear signs – for the first time in a long time – that the leaders are making necessary cuts in a good-faith effort to eradicate its deficit.

But there are also indications that disorganization still plagues the district. Case in point: The proposed Flint School District budget was not available for public review prior to the budget hearing, despite a published public legal notice to the contrary. For a district that is hoping to capture residents' trust in the form of increased student enrollment, such a move flies in the face of transparency.

A reason why the budget was unavailable isn't clear, but whatever the reason, we would have a hard time accepting an excuse – just as excuses for missing homework assignments wouldn't be accepted in the classroom.

Even members of the school board were not provided copies of the budget until the day before the budget hearing, despite a notice first published nearly a week prior to the hearing that stated: "Copies of the preliminary budget are now available for public inspection in the business office of Flint Community School's administration building."

The budget is a public document for schools funded by the taxpayers, and as such, it is incumbent on the district to make sure the public is given ample opportunity to review it – which is why laws exist requiring public notice of budget hearings. We're looking forward to hearing the details of the updated deficit elimination plan — also a public document — that the district must submit to the Michigan Department of Education by July 31.

Moving forward, the Flint School District needs to take extra steps to welcome public input on the budget and ensure transparency regarding its finances.